It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Lee Drake, a beloved fourth-grade teacher at Cleveland Road Elementary, who passed away this morning after a courageous battle with cancer. Lee, known for her radiant smile and boundless energy, touched the lives of countless students, colleagues, and friends during her years in education.
Lee began her career with the Clarke County School District (CCSD) in 2019 as a third-grade teacher at Alps Road Elementary before transferring to Cleveland Road Elementary in 2020, where she has taught for the last five years. Throughout her time as an educator, she was a source of joy, positivity, and unwavering dedication, constantly striving to inspire and uplift those around her. Her passion for teaching was matched only by her deep care for her students, always going above and beyond to ensure they succeeded and felt supported.
In addition to her remarkable impact in the classroom, Lee was a cherished colleague. Her infectious spirit and collaborative nature made her a standout member of the school community, and her loss is felt deeply by all who had the privilege of working alongside her.
Please join us in keeping Lee’s family, friends, students, and colleagues in your thoughts during this incredibly difficult time. Lee’s memory will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew her.
A Celebration of Life for Lee Drake will be held on Monday, January 20, at Ashford Memorial Methodist Church, located at 1 South Main Street in Watkinsville. The service will begin with visitation at 1:00 p.m., followed by a memorial service at 2:00 p.m.
